This year, we're taking the ‘Every Body Swim' campaign to the Arla Great North Swim - showcasing that swimming is for everyone and that all swimmers should be celebrated.
Everyone is welcome at the Arla Great North Swim, and we want as many people to experience the freedom and sense of belonging that comes from open and cold water swimming. So, no matter your age, sex, ethnicity, swimming experience, mental or physical ability - you can feel inspired to improve and enhance your health.
Bill Moore, 87, lives in Wakefield. He's been swimming competitively for 40 years. Bill has a number of Great North Swims under his belt - he's been coming along for 15 years! - but this year he's making it a family affair and swimming the 1 mile event with his son.
What do you like about open water swimming?
I take a lot of pleasure from open water swimming. It gives me a sense of freedom. There are no lines on the bottom of the pool or anything like that - you just go out, have a really good swim and enjoy the surroundings.
How does open water swimming make you feel?
Exhilarated. I'd encourage anyone to have a go - it's marvellous. You don't have to do a lot, just give it a try.
What does your training involve?
I swim three times a week and do around 6000 metres per week.
How has swimming inspired you or improved your daily life?
I've been swimming competitively for 40 years. I've been all over the world and had a lot of success. It's a big part of my life. As we become older, it's vital that we continue to exercise. Our health is the most important thing we have.
The people who do it are a really great crowd, too.
The Arla Great North Swim will be back on 7-9 June 2024
Choose from six different open water swimming distances to suit all ages, abilities, and level of experience. Whether you're looking to get fit, improve your time, soak up some nature or raise money for charity, you‘ll be part of an amazing collective experience - guaranteed. Dive into nature and join us at the UK's biggest open water swimming event.
So, what do you say - see you on the shore? Click here to find out more.